KidFriendly DC

October 8, 2026 · 5:23 pm

The Weekend Round-Up: October 9-11

Happy Weekend!

Quick links to loads of DC activity ideas:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* The Great Indoors
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Paddling Options
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places

Wicked Fun
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Halloween may not be for a few more weeks, but you can get the party started with activities and events that celebrate the spooky spirit. A few are listed in this round-up, and this post has details on where even more tricks and treats are happening.

Fall for Festival Season
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
It’s just starting to look and feel like fall, so get out and enjoy some quintessential seasonal fun. Pick out pumpkins, whiz down giant slides, get lost in corn mazes, go on hayrides, bounce around on jumping pillows, and so much more. There are activities galore to help you embrace the autumn spirit, and the KFDC guide to fall festivals has details on all of them.

T(w)een Monuments Bike Ride
Where: Capitol Hill to National Mall, DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Free
Kids in 6th grade and up can join Hill Family Biking for a majestic ride down to the Mall for a tour under the stars. The monuments at night are truly stunning, and what better way to see them by bike with friends? This 8.8-mile ride is for adventurous t(w)eens; parents welcome, but not required. Lights, water bottles, and helmets required. HFB will supply reflective vests, snacks, and adult guides.

Disney on Ice: Spotlight Magic!
Where: EagleBank Arena | Fairfax, VA
When: Fri, 10:30am & 7pm | Sat & Sun, 10:30am, 2:30pm, & 6:30pm
Tickets: $29+
Lights. Camera. Magic! Step into the spotlight as Mickey and his friends welcome you to a star-studded gala experience. All on ice!

Caps x 2
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Friday, 7:30pm & Sunday, 7pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary (check for deals)
The Caps take over Capital One Arena twice this weekend — Friday night against the Rangers and Sunday evening against the Kraken. Grab your crew, rep your red, and get ready for fast, loud, family-friendly hockey action!

Capitol Hill Porch Fest
Where: Around Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 2-6pm (rain date October 11)
Admission: Free
It’s a neighborhood-wide day of music at the first-ever Capitol Hill Porch Fest! More than 170 bands will perform on over 55 porches, turning the Hill into one big, walkable music festival. Bring the whole family and stroll from porch to porch to enjoy live music, discover local performers, and get into the community spirit.

Drive-In Movie: The Addams Family
Where: Union Market, DC
When: Friday, 7pm (lot opens at 5:45pm)
Admission:
Catch an outdoor screening of The Addams Family at Union Market. Watch the film from the comfort of your car (or walk up and sit in the fresh air) in the UM parking lot. Get there early to enjoy delicious foods from market vendors. The lot opens at 5:45pm (closes at 6:45pm) and the film begins at 7pm. Advance purchase is recommended.

Saturday Morning Live: Rompe Cajón
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: FREE!
At National Theatre’s free program that presents shows for children on select Saturday mornings, join Rompe Cajón in exploring the African roots of Peruvian culture! This interactive program will include live performances of traditional music and dance, including Peruvian tap-dancing. Audience members will have the opportunity to play Afro-Peruvian percussion instruments, sing songs, and learn dance steps. Pre-register through the link.

“Eye Spy” Halloween Trains
Where: Cabin John & Wheaton Parks | Bethesda & Wheaton, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $9
Hop on board the Halloween Trains! All ages can take a “Día de los Trenes” ride on Montgomery Parks’ Cabin John Miniature Train and the Wheaton Miniature Train. They run every Saturday and Sunday in October, and it’s best to purchase tickets in advance online to guarantee a ride (only a limited amount are available onsite.) Purchase for Wheaton here and Cabin John here.

Maybe Happy Ending
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Friday & Saturday
Tickets: $87+
We saw this show in NYC earlier this year and it’s fantastic! Maybe Happy Ending tells the deeply human story of a chance encounter that sparks connection, adventure, and maybe even love. Helmed by Tony Award-winning director Michael Arden (Parade), Maybe Happy Ending has been called “one of the best musicals in years” (USA Today) and even “The best musical in eons!” (Observer). Don’t miss the totally original new musical adventure that explores what it means to be human. Even if they’re not. Recommended for ages 8+.

More Show Time
Where: Theatres around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Beatrice Likes the Dark at Adventure Theatre
* Jennie the Cat: A Halloween Adventure at The Puppet Co.
* Chicka Chicka Boom Boom the Musical at Imagination Stage
* Come From Away at Ford’s Theatre
* The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at Olney Theatre
* Monsters of the Villa Diadati at Creative Cauldron
* Frida: A Self Portrait at Klein Theatre

Haunted Lab
Where: Children’s Science Center Lab | Fairfax, VA
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: $15
The Lab will be decked out in our not-so-scary Halloween best, and we’ve got STEM fun with a seasonal twist, from a supernatural scavenger hunt to the spider launcher and spooky slime piano! Visit in costume and get your very own treat bag! Read more about the Lab (during non-Halloween) in this KFDC post.

The Phillips Plays
Where: The Phillips Collection | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: $20/adult, free for kids
Drop in at the Phillips monthly program designed for kids and families. Explore the creative processes of artists as you take a close look at an artwork and do some of your own art using similar techniques and materials. You can also join a kid-friendly tour at 11am or 12pm and enjoy the carpeted, creative-play area with blocks, books, toys, and games.

Open Studio: Art is Better Together
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the Hirshhorn for their weekly Open Studio session. This session, draw inspiration from Aliza Nisenbaum’s painting Mis Cuatro Gracias (Brendan, Camilo, Carlos, Jorge) and experiment with bright colors and lively compositions to create vivid scenes that reflect togetherness with friends and family.

Family Day
Where: House of Sweden | Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
This fun, family-friendly event at the Swedish Embassy will have arts and crafts, storytelling, entertainment, and a special puppet show performance about Matilda “Tillie” Anderson, a young Swedish immigrant who arrived in Chicago in 1891 and grew up to become one of the fastest women cyclists in the world — it’s a fascinating story! She’s also featured in a current exhibition there.

City of Fairfax Fall Festival
Where: 10415 North Street | Downtown Fairfax, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate fall at the 50th annual Fairfax Fall Festivalin historic Old Town Fairfax. Browse more than 400 arts and crafts vendors, enjoy live music and performances, grab some festival food, and let the kids check out family activities and rides. Free shuttles make getting there easy.

USNWT vs Spain
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 2:30pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary (check for deals)
It’s a big soccer showdown on Saturday afternoon! The US Women’s National Team takes on No. 1-ranked Spain at Audi Field in a highly anticipated showdown between the Olympic champs and reigning World Cup champs. Bonus: Washington Spirit star Trinity Rodman is expected to be on the roster!

Preseason B-Ball: Wizards vs Pistons
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start at $20 (check for deals)
Get a preview of the Wizards new season at a preseason game against the Pistons on Saturday night. Make a longer outing of it in Penn Quarter and plan on a pre or post game meal. Find recommendations for family-friendly restaurants here.

Spooky Science
Where: Maryland Science Center | Baltimore, MD
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: $34.95/adult, $26.95/ages 3-12
Calling all witches, wizards, and warlocks—gather on over to the Maryland Science Center on Saturday, October 10, for an afternoon filled with magical science fun! Create your own wearable amulet. Learn about our favorite special effects using magic—well, science. Cast a spell to over a color-changing potion. And many more secrets hidden throughout the building!Read more about the Baltimore attraction here.

Latino Heritage Festival:  Quinceañera Traditions & Coming of Age
Where: Glen Echo Park | Gleń Echo, MD
When: Saturday, 2-9pm
Admission: Free
Explore quinceañera traditions and coming-of-age experiences through fashion, dance, family activities, music and a community quince. From ritual and meaning to style, self-expression and memory, the festival will feature pop-up demonstrations, a fashion show, dance lessons, and activities for the whole family. The afternoon program will be followed by a Community Quince Celebration featuring music, dancing, and quinceañera cake.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: Friday, 7pm & Sunday, 1pm
Tickets: $54-101 (find discount)
Recommended for ages 13+… Synetic Theatre bring this production to the Olney Stage… In the haunted village of Sleepy Hollow, the past refuses to stay buried. Years after a brutal Revolutionary War encounter leaves a Hessian soldier beheaded and his beloved horse slain, the fallen rider returns as the legendary Headless Horseman—an apparition stalking the shadowed forests in search of what was taken from him. Inspired by Washington Irving’s classic tale, Sleepy Hollow reimagines the familiar legend as a haunting story of love, guilt, revenge, and redemption. Blending supernatural horror with theatrical spectacle, it asks whether the true monsters are the spirits who haunt us—or the deeds we would rather forget.

Canal Day – CANCELED
Where: Georgetown, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the beloved C&O Canal with a day of free fun! Taking place at the Mule Yard and aboard a docked boat, you can meet the mules, decorate pumpkins, play lawn games, enjoy live entertainment, catch the Canal Boat Regatta, and more. Enjoy historic charm along with Georgetown’s community spirit.

Fall Family Fest
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Sunday, 12-3pm
Admission: Free
Head to The Wharf on for an afternoon of fall fun, including live music, food and market vendors, face painting, pet adoptions, and the 5th Annual Mutt Strutt. Don’t forget to dress your four-legged friend for the pet costume contest!

Commanders vs Giants
Where: Northwest Stadium | Landover, MD
When: Sunday, 1pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary (check for deals)
If you’re ready for some football, the Commanders are playing at home this weekend against the Giants. Head out to Northwest Stadium in Landover for an afternoon of sports and fun!

The Inside Scoop
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
With rain on Sunday, look for activities indoors — ,you have plenty of options. This post pulls together all the KFDC round-ups with ideas for inside fun. From museums and special programs for kids to play spaces and venues for indoor action to theaters presenting live entertainment and movies to stores where you can shop secondhand, you’ll find loads of ways to stay cool, dry, and sane.

Fun at Fairfax Parks
Where: Parks throughout Fairfax County, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The Fairfax County Park Authority hosts even more events on weekends for guests of all ages. Join an Owl Campfire at Accotink Park. Play Goblin Golf at Burke Lake Park. Hike and sketch fall wildflowers at Huntley Meadows. And there are many other fun and interesting adventures! Details and registration for activities this weekend and beyond are available here.

Park it in MoCo
Where: MoCo Parks | Montgomery County, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Montgomery Parks presents loads of special programs and activities for visitors of all ages. Go for a guided family walk to discovery mushroom at Brookside Gardens. Join AutumnFest at Maydale Nature Classroom. Enjoy Passport to SPorts Community Day at Wheaton Regional Park. Find details on these activities and more!

Walks in the Woods
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
It should be a beautiful weekend to get out on the trail for some early leaf peeping and active fun with the fam. A few recs for places that are especially great right now: Dumbarton Oaks Park in Georgetown; Potomac Overlook Park in Arlington, VA; Scott’s Run in McLean, VA; Patapsco Valley State Park near Columbia, MD; and Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton, VA. Find even more walks in the woods here.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***

* Fall foliage mapped.

* A couple of recs for a great, autumn getaway within driving distance: Jim Thorpe, PA and Charlottesville, VA.

* How to get rid of clothes, books, furniture and more.

* And here’s another way to offload your stuff.

* The most fun restaurants in DC, per Eater.

* Highly recommend Gap’s CashSoft collection…soft, comfy, and so many styles.

* If you’re going to a Halloween party, you can find a perfect hostess gift here (on super sale, too!).

* Listening to this gripping podcast lately.

* Love this.

Five Things: October 6, 2026

1. Did you know there’s now a museum beneath the Lincoln Memorial? The Lincoln Memorial Undercroft opened over the summer and offers a new, fascinating perspective of the iconic landmark, taking you underground to explore the history, construction, and stories behind it. You can actually see the massive concrete columns and excavated space beneath the memorial along with interactive exhibits and displays about the design, build and backdrop to important moments in history. It’s open daily 9am – 9pm March – October, and 9am – 8pm November – February. Timed-entry tickets are required to visit. You can reserve them in advance for a $1 service free. Same-day tickets are free and available first-come, first-served beginning at 8:45am at a kiosk between the Korean War Veterans Memorial and Lincoln Memorial.

2. The Capitals‘ Home Opener is tomorrow, October 7, and all are welcome to attend a special open practice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex in the morning ahead of the game. (A little last minute, and most kids are in school, but if you happen to be free, take advantage!) Fans can watch the team’s morning skate, soak in the excitement of the Home Opener, and enjoy giveaways from 9am – 12pm. Stay updated on practice start times here. And if you’re hoping to see the game, there are still tickets available. You can try to find a deal on resale seats, too.

3. The National Building Museum is hosting a School’s Out Workshop next Monday, October 12, on the day off from school. From 10:30am – 12pm, kids ages 6-10 can investigate how Indigenous Peoples in North America create and interact with the built environment using natural resources, cultural knowledge, and environmental awareness in both the past and present day. Cost is $20/child, $10/accompanying adult. Register in advance.

4. Save your spot for this event that captures the Halloween spirit: On Thursday, October 22, the Czech Embassy is hosting its 4th annual Strašidla – Czech Legends and Mythical Creatures, a special evening introducing children to characters and traditions from Czech folklore. They’ll learn about mythical creatures such as the Water Goblin, Noonday Witch, Headless Knight, and Forest Demon before venturing on a fun, slightly spooky walk through the Embassy’s “haunted forest.” The evening will also feature hands-on, bubbling experiments presented by the Science Guys. The event is intended for ages 5 to 10, and there are sessions at 6pm and 8pm. Admission is FREE! RSVP required: czechembassypr@gmail.com.

5. The little treat-lover’s guide to Georgetown that you definitely want to keep in your back pocket for when you’re in the neighborhood (or want to get a yummy little treat).

Prime Picks from Amazon’s Big Deal Days, Fall Edition

Amazon’s Big Deal Days are here, and once again, because this sale is always huge, is I’ve done some scrolling for you! Many of these picks are especially timed for right now — think good fall finds, Halloween fun, and a few things worth grabbing now with the holidays just a couple of months away. From kid things to mom faves to practical picks for the whole family, these are the deals that caught my eye (and that I think are worth clicking on). Happy Shopping — & Saving!

Halloween Costumes – Let’s start with a main event of the season. Halloween is just a few weeks away, and if you’re still settling on costumes for the kids (or you), this sale not only has them for a steal, you can get good ideas, too. Find the dino above here, even more kids costumes here, and for adults here.

Halloween Decor – It’s always so fun to get into the spooky spirit by setting the Halloween scene in the front yard or adding some festive accessories inside. There’s tons of stuff in this sale… go for some glowing eyeballs pictured above or check out so much more here.

Fall Wreath – For some outdoor fall decor that isn’t Halloween, a pretty front door wreath. And so many more options here.

Osprey Daypack – You can’t beat fall for a family hike when the weather is crisp and the changing leaves make the scenery stunning. And a nice, light daypack is good to have for carrying water bottles and other essentials. The Osprey pictured is a great deal, and you can find other off brand packs on sale here.

Fjällräven Kanken Backpack – For another fun backpack, not necessarily for hiking and maybe for kids, this Fjällräven is such a good deal right now — 50% off — that I wanted to include it. Snag it now for a holiday gift later. It comes in other colors, too, but the orange is the best deal right now. Another good pack to check out is this Herschel.

Slow Cooker – Fall tends to be a busy time with with sports. and other after school activities taking up more time. A slow cooker makes weeknights easier — and it makes delicious, cozy meals. This one seems to be the best deal, but you can see other brands, sizes, and styles here.

Dutch Oven – It’s soup season, so it’s great to have a good dutch oven on hand for yummy stews, broths, chili, and more one-potters when the temps drop. I love this bright red color, and there is a pretty blue for a good deal now, too.

Waffle Maker – For fall breakfast (or, really, anytime) waffles are nice and warm and fun to make. I like the flat design of this model, but there are plenty of other good options, some just take up more space.

Breville Espresso Machine – This one is definitely a splurge, but if you’re really into your coffee (or have a giftee who is), you can get a really good deal on a fancy coffee machine — it’s nearly $200 off right now. Of course, if you prefer to keep it simple, you can also get a basic one for steal.

Mixing Bowls Set – Just ordered these for myself. I was kind of inspired by these cooks, because they use steel mixing bowls all the time and look so organized while they prep meals. Plus, I find that sauces seem to mix up nicer in a steel bowl.

Portable Steamer – We brought this exact steamer for our travels this summer, and it works so well, we now use it at home more often than an iron.

Kids Winter Jacket – Cold weather will be here before we know it. Be prepared for it by having winter wear ready for the kids. There’s a wide selection of coats and more jackets in the sale, from puffers to ski jackets — see them all here.

Snow Bib – It happens every year… the first big snowfall, and lots of parents are scrambling to find proper gear so the kids can play in it. Avoid that this year by having it ready to go. Our kids wore these Lands End snow bibs for years, and we found them to be great quality, plus they come in lots of colors.

Apple Watch – These sales are always a good time to snag deals on devices, especially ones that will make for great holiday gifts like a smart watch. There are many brands and models…view the full selection on sale here.

Ear Buds – I always recommend ear buds among these picks, because they’re one of those items that we always seem to need. Everyone in our family has these JBLs, so I can vouch that they’re solid – especially for the cost, which is over 40% off right now.

Headphones – For music listening over the ears, these Bose are a great choice. Known to be a great brand and over 30% off (for a limited time, so snag them soon). You can check out many more headphones with varying features here.

Shark FlexStyle Set – I have heard really great things about this hair styling set. It’s been compared to the Dyson, but a much better price. Getting for Sasha as a holiday gift.

Fire Pit – Just because weather is cooling, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy patio hangs — just keep them comfortable and cozy with a fire pit. And Solo Stove is no longer the only good pit in town. There are a bunch more brands at more affordable prices and various designs.

Space Heater – If you don’t have the right set up for a fire pit, consider a tall space heater instead (or even both for extra warmth). And here is another, smaller one to consider.

Knockaround Sunglasses – The sun still shines in cold weather, and I can attest that these are great inexpensive glasses that still look cool. I have several pairs — because I like different colors and designs (and because I tend to misplace them often). View the whole Knockarounds store here.

Barrell Pants – I haven’t tried them myself, but these cute pants look just like the popular Ruti pair that cost over $200. For under $30, they are worth a try!

Mock Neck Sweatshirt – A comfy go-to on cold, casual days, but the mock neck adds a little something if you want to elevate it. Comes in a bunch of colors.

Workout Tights – For those who like to exercise outdoors, full length tights will be part of your ‘fit to get fit. These are a good pick, especially for the cost that is even lower now.

Crocs Sandals – Okay, this one is an outlier since it’s obviously not a fall find. But I love and wore these Crocs sandals all summer. The neutral color went with everything, and they were very comfortable — I actually wore them walking around all day. Since they are nearly half off right now, I wanted to include them here. Save for next summer (or a warm vacay before then).

The Sak Hobo Bag – This is such a pretty bag — love the embossed floral on one side — and a really good deal at 40% off The color and style are perfect for fall.

Ugg Blanket – It probably comes as no surprise that Ugg makes some very cozy blankets given how comfy their boots are. You can get a throw or in bed sizes — twin, full/queen, and king — and in a few different colors. Ideal for snuggling under on a cold night.

Board Games – There are a bunch of board games included in the sale, so take a look and see what you and your fam might like. If you want some recs: Code Names, Azul, Herd Mentality, or go old school with Yahtzee.

Puzzle – It’s a perfect time to get a puzzle going, and they’re fun to do as an ongoing family project, Grab one (or more) from a big selection of them!

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